Red Sox activate RHP Josh Beckett, designate RHP Kyle Snyder

TORONTO—Josh Beckett was activated from the 15-day disabled list by the Boston Red Sox before Sunday's game against the Blue Jays, allowing the right-hander to make his season debut against Toronto's Roy Halladay.

To make room on the roster, the Red Sox designated Kyle Snyder for assignment.

Beckett felt soreness in his back after throwing a warmup pitch before his scheduled start March 8 against the Florida Marlins, and left without facing a batter.

He was placed on the disabled list March 19 and did not accompany the team to Tokyo for a two-game season opening series and to the West Coast for games at Los Angeles and Oakland. Instead, he remained at Boston's spring training camp in Florida. He last worked Thursday, throwing a side session in Fort Myers.

Beckett was 2-1 with a 2.35 ERA in three starts against Toronto in 2007.

Beckett has won 51 games since the start of the 2005 season, tied with New York Mets left-hander Johan Santana for the most in the major leagues over that span.

The MVP of the 2003 World Series as a member of the Florida Marlins, Beckett went 20-7 with a 3.27 ERA and helped lead Boston to a World Series title in 2007.

Snyder was 2-3 with a 3.81 ERA in 46 relief appearances last year, his first full season with the Red Sox.

Snyder learned the news after walking two batters and giving up two runs in 1-3 of an inning in Boston's 10-2 loss to Toronto on Saturday.

"It wasn't a very fun move," Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. "He's one of the most respectful teammates I've seen come through here."

Boston will have to make another move once right-hander Mike Timlin (lacerated finger) is ready to return, possibly within the next few days. Timlin is scheduled to begin a minor league rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Pawtucket on Monday.